JKBOSE mandated exclusive use of prescribed textbooks from 2024-25 academic session for classes 1 to 12
Meer Shabnum
Srinagar, Dec 26 (KB): The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has issued a decisive directive, setting the course for a standardized educational paradigm across affiliated institutions.
From the commencement of the 2024-25 academic session, classes 1 to 12 within the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh are poised to exclusively follow textbooks and curricula meticulously prescribed by the JKBOSE.
According to an official notice, a copy of which lies with the Kashmir Bulletin (KB), reads in adherence to the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education Act, 1975, and subsequent amendments under the Reorganization Act, 2019, the JKBOSE (Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education) has announced the mandatory implementation of their curriculum and textbooks for classes 1 to 12 from the upcoming academic session 2024-25.
Empowered by its jurisdiction outlined in the Act, the JKBOSE, established to advise the Government on matters related to Pre-primary, Elementary, Secondary, and Higher Secondary Education, has the authority to prescribe courses of instruction, detailed syllabi, and textbooks for various educational levels.
Further, Rule 11 (a) of the J&K School Education Rules 2010 emphasizes the statutory obligation of educational institutions to comply with the prescribed curriculum and textbooks set forth by the JKBOSE for different classes.
“The State Affiliation Committee/Recognition Committee, in its meetings, firmly stated the necessity for strict adherence to the JKBOSE’s instructions and orders. Any deviation or non-compliance by academic institutions from using JKBOSE-prescribed textbooks and curricula may result in disciplinary actions or penalties, amounting to Rs. 50,000 or both, as decided in previous committee resolutions.”
Similarly, “addressing concerns raised, the Honorable High Court of J&K and Ladakh dismissed a petition challenging the directive by the Private Schools United Front, asserting the JKBOSE’s authority to mandate the usage of textbooks published by the board.”
“Consequently, all affiliated private schools within the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh are directed to implement the curriculum and textbooks prescribed by JKBOSE from the upcoming academic session for classes 1 to 12. Schools are strictly instructed not to enforce the purchase of any books/materials other than those published and prescribed by JKBOSE. Failure to comply with these directives may lead to disciplinary actions or penalties imposed by the JKBOSE or the Government of J&K.”
Furthermore, “parents are advised that if any school attempts to compel them to purchase books outside the ones published by JKBOSE, they should promptly inform the JKBOSE authorities,” he said, adding that the JKBOSE’s decision seeks to standardize and ensure uniformity in the education system by establishing a common curriculum framework across affiliated institutions for enhanced educational quality and equity (Kashmir Bulletin-KB).
